RENEWisc a simple-to-use, powerful, freely-available software tool intended to aid Wisconsin architects and engineers in the design and implementation of zero-net-energy buildings by focusing on the assessment of renewable energy technology potential. RENEWisc is built on the general energy simulation tool TRNSYS (a well-known and highly-respected energy simulation software package developed by the University of Wisconsin originally for solar energy research) and includes the ability to configure a simple building and then simulate the performance of active solar systems, passive solar systems, wind turbine systems, photovoltaic systems and fuel cell systems. The program is constructed such a way that the building and systems specified can be quickly reworked into a detailed, dynamic TRNSYS simulation (by TRNSYS users) and so that its scope can easily be expanded as new technologies emerge or as user demands grow for un-represented technologies. The tool contains historical weather data for 20 cities in the upper Midwest provides users with performance predictions (both in terms of energy and in terms of economics) for any combination of selected technologies.

As a follow up to the development of RENEWisc, Thermal Energy Systems Specialists, LLC and the Solar Energy Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin Madison are conducting a series of free workshops around the state to train architects and engineers in the use of the new assessment tool. Please contact us if you are interested in either attending or hosting such a workshop so that we may give you most up to date information.